Kara Lang is Forced to Retire

It's really a sad news. Kara Lang, Canadian soccer player, just announced her retirement due to recurring knee and ACL injuries. Kara Lang is the youngest woman to be named to Canada National Women's Team, making her National Team debut on March 1 2002 at the Algarve Cup in Portugal at age 15. She retired on January 5, 2011 at the age of 24.

Kara Lang represented Canada in two FIFA World Cups (2003, 2007) and the 2008 Olympic Games. Before retired, she made 89 appearances and 34 goals for her national team. She's also the youngest player ever to score in international competition, when she netted a goal against Wales, just two days after making her inaugural appearance for Canada.

Kara Lang's last appearance for Canada happened in 2010 CONCACAF Women's World Cup qualifying tournament. She took part in her team's victory against Mexico in the final (1-0) on Nov 08, 2010. Canada was through to the 2011 FIFA World Cup, but Kara won't play in the big tournament.

Kara Lang made the official announcement at an Oakville Soccer Club Press Conference in front of young fans, coaches, soccer club affiliaties, and press. "I have gotten everything out of this sport, and I have given this sport all that I have," she said about her retirement.

Kara Lang Statistics:

Position: Forward
Jersey No. : 15
High school: St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Oakville, Ontario
College: UCLA
Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (W-League)
Height: 5'10" (1.78 m)
Weight: 155 lbs (70 Kg)
Born: October 22, 1986 in Calgary, Alberta
Nationality: Canadian
Junior Caps: 33 (12 goals)
Senior Caps: 89 (34)